Negros bishop: Free sick, old political prisoners

Gerardo Alminaza —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY—San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza has called for the immediate release and compassionate parole of political prisoners, particularly the elderly and sick, as part of a broader effort to address “systemic injustices” in the country.

His statement followed a Mass he celebrated for political prisoners and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at Bago City District Jail in Negros Occidental on Dec. 30.

“I deplore the situation of our political prisoners whose hearings are repeatedly postponed or reset, with some languishing in jail for over a year without a single hearing,” said Alminaza, cochair of the One Negros Ecumenical Council.

The prelate emphasized the urgent need for justice, citing the continued incarceration of 113 political prisoners across Negros Island, representing 15 percent of the overall national figures.

READ: More than 1,000 prison inmates released Nov-Dec 2024 – BuCor

These include 59 detainees in Negros Occidental and 54 in Negros Oriental, many of whom have been accused of what rights advocates described as questionable charges.

“We cannot ignore the plight of those unjustly incarcerated for their advocacy [on] farmers, workers and marginalized communities. Fighting for basic rights is not a crime. Instead of vilifying these individuals, the government must strengthen social services and address the root causes of poverty and inequality,” Alminaza said.

The bishop cited the recent dismissal of charges and release of nine political prisoners, including Pastor Jimie Teves and youth organizers Carmen Jonahville Matarlo and John Michael Tecson.

“[But], there is still so much to be done,” he said.

Condemning Red-tagging

Alminaza also condemned the culture of Red-tagging of activists, which he described as a “systematic attack on democracy and human rights.”

“Red-tagging and false accusations silence dissent and perpetuate injustice. All democratic sectors must come together to combat these practices and uphold the dignity of every individual,” he said.

Alminaza called for the parole of elderly and ailing political prisoners, some of whom have been in detention for decades.

“This is not just a matter of justice but of compassion,” he said, invoking the words of Isaiah—“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”

Alminaza supported the call of the bishop of Kalookan, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, for a law to be passed to compensate people who have been jailed and eventually acquitted by the court.

David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, made the statement during his recent visit to political prisoners and other PDLs at the Metro Manila district jail in Taguig City.